Brexit Logistics Specialist Review

My current role focuses on Nestle to Nestle shipments which are either loading or unloading in the UK. Since Brexit, the documentation required for these loads to cross the border has significantly increased. It is my responsibility to ensure that all of the information needed to produce export docs is given to the EU IMLU Team (docs team) in time for loading.

I have learnt a lot of new skills as this is my first logistical role. I have improved my communication skills by speaking to carriers via email or telephone to resolve issues relating to their shipment. My time management skills have also improved as I am coordinating the movement of loads across different time zones and ensuring information is provided in time for shipments to load in different countries.

I really enjoy my programme because I get to experience a variety of different roles where the work I am doing is critical to the business' performance. I have worked with a variety of different people and have already started to build a wide network which I can use to develop my understanding of different roles within the business. I am given a lot of support by my college lecturers as well.

My programme is structured really well as I am given a year in each role, which is long enough to fully understand it but I am offered something fresh at the end of each year. The balance of work and off-the-job learning is perfect as I get to focus mainly on my everyday role but am still able to hand in assignments on time to meet deadlines set. If necessary, I can request a later deadline to suit me as the workload increases which I really appreciate.

My employer is extremely supportive and I have regular catch ups with my Academy mentor. I have never felt as though I cannot express how I am feeling about my progress and I have a wide variety of people who I am comfortable I can do to if I ever need to speak to someone. Throughout my scheme, all my managers have been approachable and supportive.

My training provider is extremely understanding of the fact I work full-time and that I may need to re-arrange assignment deadlines to suit. If I am struggling with a topic, I can easily put some more time in with my tutor so that they can provide me with extra support. Even now, when our lessons have been remote, they have provided good quality teaching sessions and they are always keen to hear our feedback as students so that they can improve their sessions.

My qualification allows me to link the units I have studies to my every day role. I feel this gives my job a lot more purpose as I can confidently apply my general understanding of a Supply Chain from my block weeks at college to each of my roles. I also find assignments much more enjoyable when I can apply real life examples to my answers.

At work, all of the apprentices take part in Campus Teams events. We go out to schools to deliver talks about our experience on-scheme and this also allows us to organise social events as a group. There is a gym which employees can use for free and, before Covid, teams would often organise nights out together.

Yes

Nestle has welcomed me from day 1. Even at my assessment centre I felt like I was settled into the environment and I was so happy when they told me I had been successful. As an employer, they care about their employees and offer things that I have not experienced at previous workplaces. For example, a free gym, dogs at work and the opportunity to travel to factories and sites. I absolutely love working for Nestle and it has even encouraged my sister to apply for a job here.

Be yourself. Nestle values individuality and they want you to be honest about yourself. I found it refreshing that my application and assessment centre did not focus on grades or academia. Instead, they asked questions about me as a person and how I would handle situations. I would also say that you should not give up after rejection. I didn't get in the first time I applied, so applied and - and I am so glad I did. Just because one application isn't successful, doesn't mean you won't be successful the next time.